We recently had the chance to connect with Pinkie Mistry and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Pinkie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day starts with getting ready for Neighborhood Barre class at 5:45am or 6am throughout the work week. I pick up my friend Jamie who lives four houses down from me and we head to downtown Maryville to barre. It’s a great way to start the day. The hardest part isn’t the workout (although it is pretty tough), it’s getting out of bed, but after class we are always so grateful we did it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Pinkie Mistry. I was raised in East Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains. I’ve always had a passion for art for as long as I can remember. I studied graphic design in college and worked in that field for over 20 years. I later transitioned to doing commission paintings, mural art, and book illustrations.
My favorite is oil painting on large canvases anything from landscapes, florals and portraits. I love texture and use palette knife on many paintings to get that effect. I also love the traditional style with brush. It’s hard for me to stick with one style as I get bored of it and want to try something new.
What I really love to work on for my clients is making them a piece of art that is unique and memorable to them, whether it be a place they went to on a family vacation or where they got married, just something that is personal and specific to them.
I’m currently working on a new children’s book illustration for Anakeesta in Gatlinburg and also about to start a new mural project for Great American Cookie Company in Downtown Maryville.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say that my dad taught me about having good work ethic. He’s a realist and never sugar coated anything for me and my sisters. He taught us to work hard, give it our best and save money. I got the first two down great but that last part is a little difficult for me 😉
Becoming a successful artist, making consistent money is hard. Dad new that and strongly suggested I go into graphic design after I graduated high school in 1995. It was a stable career I could make a living at. I put my painting dreams aside and did just that for a little over 20 years. As soon as I got my first commission painting job life pretty much changed from there and I’ve been living the dream since then.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Was there ever a time I gave up? Yes, a few times. My career has changed and gone in so many directions. I gained many wonderful graphic design clients as a freelancer. Just when I think things are stable something drastic happens and I’ll loose clients. It was devastating and I thought maybe I should just get a job at a company.
I realized then maybe I should give my customers what other designers can’t. I started offering custom paintings and illustrations which led to new jobs and then a whole new career change in art.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I would have to say I admire my husband Jeremy for his character. He’s a very well known and respected business owner in Maryville. He runs an advertising/marketing agency with 20+ employees. I don’t know how he does it and still manages time for his family. Anyone that knows him will tell you he is genuine. He’s got a philanthropists heart helping so many non-profits in our community. He’s my number one fan and supporter.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace on mornings when I sit in my sunroom with a cup of coffee and my 65lb poodle on my lap.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinkiemistry.com
- Instagram: @pinkiemistryart
- Linkedin: Pinkie Mistry
- Facebook: Pinkie Mistry Art
Image Credits
Mitchell Bain – (2nd photo of me painting magnolia flower)
